SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Monday strongly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his comments on alcohol regulation, terming his justification for not imposing a liquor ban in the Union Territory “illogical”.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Mufti argued that the Chief Minister’s claim that prohibition could not be enforced because alcohol consumption is permitted in certain faiths was inconsistent. She also referred to prohibition regimes in states such as Gujarat and Bihar to question the reasoning behind the policy stance.
JK CMs expected U-Turn on the refusal to prohibit liquor shops lacks logic. He claims it’s wrong to impose a ban on Hindus consuming alcohol since their religion doesn’t forbid it. If this is the case how have Hindu majority states like Gujarat & Bihar banned alcohol successfully…
— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) May 11, 2026
Her reaction came in response to Abdullah’s remarks made on Sunday in Ganderbal during an interaction with reporters, where he said liquor outlets exist for those who choose to consume alcohol and that no individual is being compelled to do so. He maintained that the government does not promote drinking and that consumption remains a matter of personal choice.
Mufti, however, described the remarks as “deeply unfortunate”, alleging that they overlooked the religious sentiments of the majority community.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier today stated that no new liquor shops had been opened and that his administration does not encourage alcohol consumption, particularly among young people.
He further said his comments had been misrepresented, adding that brief remarks made during public interactions are often taken out of context and distorted by political opponents.
